By law - IAMA, NJ

1. NAME:

The name of the organization shall be “Iranian American Medical Association of New Jersey”, hereafter called “IAMA, New Jersey”, or referred to as IAMA, NJ. IAMA, New Jersey is a non-profit, non-political, non-religious, non-racial and non-gender establishment.

2. LOGO:

The logo of IAMA NJ shall be identified with Caduce in the middle with the day of the foundation in Persian above the Caduce and Christian date below it.

Maps of Iran and the USA shall adorn the logo on the right and left, respectively.

There shall be two (2) meridian lines on each side. The Caduce and the dates shall be surrounded by two circles. The distance between the outer and inner article shall be 1 cm. The name “Iranian American Medical Association” shall be inscribed between these two (2) circles. The letters “NJ” are above the Christian year of the establishment of IAMA.

3. PURPOSE & FUNCTION:

IAMA, NJ is organized as a chapter organization to the National organization Iranian American Medical Association, exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, for assisting students financially and for providing free healthcare assistance to needy Iranian patients, all within the meaning of Section 501 (C) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code and State and Federal Laws, Rules and Regulations within the scope of the said purpose and power, it shall carry out the following functions:

1. To disseminate medical knowledge to all members by means of journals, meetings, and continuous medical education and to encourage all members to seek further education in their respected fields.
2. To promote and maintain professional relationships and support each other in the USA, the medical organization in Iran and Persian speaking medical associations in other countries.
3. To establish relations and have an active role with Iranian students and students of Iranian descent studying in the field of medicine or allied medical sciences in the state of New Jersey. To furnish them with guidance, help them find schools of their choice and assist them financially whenever possible.
4. To disseminate healthcare knowledge among the Iranians living in New Jersey by means of flyers, radio, public speeches and other communication media.

1. There shall be a fee for membership in IAMA, NJ and its parent organization, IAMA, determined periodically by the Board of Directors and approved by the Board of Directors and Trustees of IAMA.
2. The rights and privileges of members shall be equal. The association does not discriminate based on race, color, gender or religion.
3. Type of membership: the membership shall be comprised of the following groups: Active, Associate, Honorary and Auxiliary.
   1. Active members: Medical and Allied health groups who are in active practice or teach in their respective fields. All active members must be Iranian or of Iranian descent and are entitled to vote. All active members of IAMA, NJ who have retired in ordinary fashion may remain active members of IAMA, NJ.
   2. Retired M.D. and Allied health groups are active members and pay 50% of the customary membership fees.
   3. Associate members: All professionals who are in training and do not have the license to practice or who are not licensed in the state of New Jersey. Associate members can participate in all meetings but shall not have the right to vote or hold office except for resident and student committees.
   4. Honorary members: Any individual, irrespective of nationality, who is distinguished by doing recognizable work for IAMA, NJ, Iran or the Iranian community anywhere in the world, or have contributed to the welfare of people. Honorary members shall not be able to vote or hold office. Any active member of the Association can nominate an individual for this category of membership. The nomination should be endorsed by ten (10) active members of IAMA, NJ and be forwarded to the Board of Directors and Trustees for approval.
   5. Auxiliary members: The Auxiliary members shall consist of individuals whose goals and purposes are to assist IAMA, NJ in pursuing its objectives. There will be no membership fee for this type of membership.
4. Member qualifications:
   1. Legal resident of US (permanent resident or citizen) residing in the state of New Jersey.
   2. Must be ethical and trustworthy.
   3. Shall not have record of criminal conviction or corruption.
   4. Must abide by the By Laws of IAMA, NJ.
5. Property rights: No members shall have any rights, title or interest in any of the properties or assets of the organization, including earnings or investment income of the association. Nor shall any of such properties or assets be distributed to any members upon its dissolution or winding up.
6. Payment of Dues and Fees:
   1. Dues shall be paid in advance of the 1st of January of each fiscal year.
   2. Fees and dues will be determined by the Board of Directors.
7. Termination of Membership and Resignation:
   1. Resignation: The member’s resignation should be submitted in writing to the Secretary of IAMA, NJ, who in turn will present it at the Board meeting, where it shall be discussed. The Board may ask for the reason of the resignation if the member has not stated it in his/her resignation letter.
   2. A membership shall be terminated for any one of the following reasons:
      1. If a member’s license is revoked by the Governing bodies of the state of New Jersey where he/she practices or has the right to practice.
      2. If a member is convicted of any crime in any state.
      3. If a member is convicted of Moral Turpitude, the Board will evaluate each individual case and will notify the member in writing by certified mail Such members shall have the right to appeal within thirty (30) days from the date of the Board letter. Supportive documents should be submitted to the Board upon initiation of appeal. The Board decision will be final and submitted in writing by certified mail to the member.
      4. If a member fails to pay membership fees within 90 days of due date.
      5. Membership in the association is not transferable. Membership shall terminate upon the resignation or death of the member.
      6. A member who’s membership has been terminated may reapply for reinstatement in the same manner as an applicant for initial membership.
8. Certificate of Membership: The Board of Directors of IAMA may issue a Certificate of Membership in the association. Such certificate shall be signed by the President or Vice President and sealed by the Seal of Association.

The members of the Board of Directors include President, Vice-President?, Secretary, Treasurer and three (3) members at large. Officers will be elected and shall have a two (2) year term. Officers shall prepare an annual report for the general members.

The Board of Directors shall, in general, exercise the executive power of the association. All decisions of the Board of Directors shall be carried out with 2/3 majority vote of the members of the Board. All expenses of IAMA NJ must be approved by the majority members of the Board of Directors. Expenses above $1500.00 should be approved by the Trusteee of IAMA, NJ.

DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS:

1. President
   1. Shall be responsible for the daily business of the Association.
   2. Shall present the affairs of IAMA, NJ to the Board of Trustees.
   3. Shall appoint the Chairperson of the Committee as indicated by the By Laws.
   4. Shall conduct the meetings of the Board of Directors and the General Meetings of IAMA, NJ.
   5. Shall have the privilege of signing checks in the absence of the Treasurer.
   6. Shall have the privilege of signing official correspondence, etc., of IAMA, NJ.
2. Vice-President
   1. Shall carry the duties of the President upon his absence except for the signing of checks.
   2. Shall be actively involved in the promotion of the Associations’s goals.
3. Secretary
   1. Shall prepare the agenda of the meetings and be responsible for keeping the records.
   2. Shall be responsible for reporting the minutes of the Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees of IAMA, NJ to the Executive Board of Trustees and Directors of IAMA.
   3. Shall manage the daily correspondence and any necessary communication between the members of IAMA, NJ.
   4. Shall formalize the schedules of the meetings of the Board of Directors, etc.
   5. Shall file any certificates required by any federal or state stature.
   6. Shall be responsible to keep records of the daily activities of IAMA, NJ.
4. Treasurer
   1. Shall be responsible for the bookkeeping of IAMA, NJ.
   2. Shall sign all checks.
   3. Shall prepare semi-annual financial reports to be published in the Bulletin of IAMA and its web page.
   4. Shall send a copy of financial reports to the National headquarters of IAMA c/o Treasurer of IAMA.
   5. Shall report the financial status of IAMA, NJ to the members at the Annual General Membership Meeting of IAMA, NJ and IAMA.
   6. Shall prepare the annual budget for approval by the Board of Directors and Trustees of IAMA, NJ.
5. Members at Large: All members of the Board of Directors are expected to play a major role in the daily functions of IAMA, NJ and IAMA. Their participation in National events of IAMA is mandatory.

ELECTIONS OF THE OFFICERSThere will be an election of the officers each year at the Annual General Membership Meeting of IAMA, NJ. The President Elect will be elected in one year, and the remaining officers will be elected in the following year. They will be elected for a two year term as follows:

1. President Elect: The Nominating Committee chaired by previous President of IAMA, NJ will seek the names of eligible candidates (being an active member of IAMA, NJ for at least two (2) years and in good standing). Other candidates may be nominated by petition signed by at least twenty (20) active members of IAMA, NJ and submitted to the Nominating Committee sixty (60) days prior to the election date, after obtaining their consent.
2. Voting: The format for voting consists of the following two (2) procedures
   1. Proxy vote – must reach the Nominating Committee at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date of election, and
   2. At the Annual General Election Meeting of IAMA, NJ in person.
3. Election of the remaining Members of the Board of Directors (Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and three (3) Members at Large):

The Nominating Committee, chaired by the previous President, will seek the names of at least twelve (12) eligible persons (being an active member of IAMA, NJ for at least two (2) years with good standing) one (1) year after the election of the President Elect.

If a member of the Board resigns, becomes incapacitated, or loses the license to practice, he/she shall be replaced with one of the Members at Large. This new member will serve until the end of the current administrative term. Members at Large will not be replaced until the next election.

1. If a Board member resigns.
2. If a Board member’s membership is terminated for any reason.
3. If a Board member does not attend three (3) consecutive sessions without any justification.

The Board, at its discretion, after the approval of the Board of Trustees of IAMA, NJ, can dismiss the individual member by notifying him/her in writing by certified mail. However, prior to a dismissal letter, a certified letter shall be forwarded to the individual member requesting reason for his/her absence. If no satisfactory response is received within a period of time designated by the Board of Directors, then the dismissal letter shall be sent to the individual, which follows aforementioned procedures in this chapter.

The individual Board member shall have the right to appeal. Replacing the Board member is stated in Article IV.

1. The Board of Directors shall have a meeting at least once a month. All the matters of interest shall be discussed and appropriate notes should be taken by the Secretary, which shall be presented at the following Board Meeting for approval. The minutes of the Board of Directors meeting shall be mailed to the Board of Directors and Trustees of IAMA, NJ.
2. IAMA, NJ should have an annual General Membership Meeting. The Board of Directors (or the President) shall designate the time and place as well as the subjects to be raised and discussed at such meetings a few months in advance. Members shall be advised of the said information at least six (6) months before the holding of the General Meeting of that year. Such subjects shall include reports of the President and the Treasurer. Powers of the General Meeting shall include, but shall not be limited to, the approval of the By Laws and any amendments thereto and changes in the Structure of the Association. The final changes should be approved by the Board of Trustees of IAMA.
3. The quorum in General Meetings for any action governed by this By Laws shall be the presence of at least fifty-one percent (51%) of the members and decisions shall be adopted upon the favorable votes of at least 2/3 of the members in person or by proxy. All proxies shall be in writing and filed with the Secretary. No proxy shall extend beyond a period of eleven (11) months.
4. CME Meeting: the National Association shall have at least one (1) CME course per year, preferable at the time of the Annual Membership Meeting.
5. Members of IAMA, NJ are encouraged to attend the National Annual Meeting of IAMA.
6. The members of the Board of Directors, Committee Chairs should attend the Annual Meeting of IAMA.

The Chairperson of all the committees will be nominated by the President and approved by the members of the Board of Directors of IAMA. The term of the Chairperson and the committee members for each committee shall be two (2) years, unless otherwise mentioned in the By Laws.

1. Membership Committee: This committee shall recruit members and encourage medical and allied health professionals to join the association. The activities of the committee should report to the Board of Directors of IAMA, NJ every three (3) months.
2. Committee on Public Education: The Chairperson will form a committee of no less than three (3) individuals to aid him/her. The committee shall have a Public Education Division. This division shall be concerned with educating the public, utilizing all available means of communication, including but not limited to, flyers, radio, television, public talks and speeches. All these should be geared toward Iranian individuals living in the USA and Iran. These activities shall be conducted in the Persian language (Farsi) when possible, so that the majority of the Iranian people can understand. Admittance to these meetings shall be open to all.
3. Students, Resident and Fellow Committee: These committees shall participate in the affairs of students, residents and fellows. The members shall be chosen from the student body, residents or fellows. The committee members shall be chosen from the student body, residents or fellows of different fields of medicine and allied health groups by the Chairpersons. This committee shall work closely with the Committee #10 to assist medical students to find residencies and help residents and fellows to find proper jobs.
4. The Awards and Recognition Committee: This committee shall consist of at least three (3) individuals. Any active member can nominate his/her nominee for awards or recognition. The nominee should be approved by the Board of Directors, if approved by the committee. The Chairperson will notify the individual in writing. The Scientific, Cultural and Supporters Medals or Plaques of recognition are discussed in Article XV.
5. By Laws Committee: The Chairperson will select at least two (2) members. All changes in the By Laws should be presented to the active members to vote on at the Annual Meeting. All changes voted upon by the general membership must then be approved by the Board of Trustees of IAMA to be operational.
6. Nominating Committee: The past president of IAMA, NJ will chair this committee and select at least three (3) eligible members who are very active in the affairs of IAMA, NJ, and have thorough knowledge about the members of the state of New Jersey.
7. Financial and Fund-Raising? Committee: The Chairperson of this committee will be one of the Members at Large of IAMA, NJ.
8. Scholarship and Financial Assistance Committee: The Chairperson will appoint three (3) members.
9. Meeting and Gathering Committee: The Chairperson will appoint a minimum of two (2) members.
10. Committee to assist medical students seeking residencies and residents or fellows seeking jobs: The Chairperson of this committee shall be an active academic member of IAMA, NJ. The Chairperson will appoint as many as seven (7) or more active academic members of IAMA to serve this purpose.
11. Publication and Medical Education Committee: All material for publication should be approved by the Publication Committee of IAMA. This committee should publish a newsletter three to four (3-4) times per year or more.
12. Legal Advisor: The President, with the approval of the members of the Board of Directors and members of the Board of Trustees of IAMA, NJ shall appoint a professional legal advisor to assist IAMA, NJ in all legal matters. This person may be a non-member of IAMA, NJ. The advisor shall safeguard the integrity of the Association and make sure that the steps taken by the Board are in full compliance with the law and in accordance with the By Laws. The advisor shall give assistance to the Board of Directors and Trustees in making the proper decisions.

All committees are obligated to submit a quarterly report of their functions and progress to the Board of Directors of IAMA, NJ. Additional committees may be formed as deemed necessary by the President of IAMA, NJ.

1. The President or his/her designate will give comprehensive and complete annual reports of the Association, including but not limited to, the status of membership and achievements of the Association and its endeavors, scholarships given, public services, publications and other subjects of interest at the Annual Meeting of IAMA, NJ, IAMA, membership and to the Board of Directors and Trustees of IAMA.
2. The Treasurer or his/her designated representative will give a comprehensive report on the financial status of the Association to the members of IAMA, NJ during the Annual Membership Meeting. The Treasurer will also be responsible for submitting a financial report of IAMA to the Board of Directors and Trustees of IAMA and IAMA, NJ, to be published in the Bulletin, newsletter, and/or announced on the web page.

None of the Officers of IAMA, NJ shall be paid for their services. No active, associate, honorary or auxiliary member of IAMA, NJ shall be paid for his/her services. The expense incurred during the monthly meeting of the Board of Directors, the Board of Trustees, or others are not subject to reimbursement by IAMA, NJ.

1. Recognition medals or plaques to contributors of an outstanding donation toward the progress and the affairs of IAMA, NJ will be decided on by the Board of Directors, and approved by Trustees of IAMA, NJ.
2. Recognition of Iranian or Iranian descent scientists anywhere in the world who have made valuable contributions in their field of expertise or the welfare of mankind.
3. Recognition of outstanding members of IAMA, NJ whom have contributed to the expansion, improvement and progress of the Association.

1. There will be an election of the Board of Trustees for New Jersey every three (3) years, which will be conducted by the Board of Trustees of IAMA.
2. All the members of the Board of Directors should be approved by the Board of Trustees from New Jersey and IAMA.
3. The Founder and Past Presidents of IAMA, NJ and SIAHP will serve as consultants to the Board of IAMA, NJ.

BULLETIN AND PUBLICATION COMMITTEE

IAMA, NJ will have a section in the Bulletin of IAMA each time. All activities and reports of IAMA, NJ will be printed in the IAMA Bulletin. The share of expenses of IAMA Bulletin will be determined each time by the Directors of IAMA Bulletin to be paid by IAMA, NJ. Newsletters will be printed three to four (3-4) times per year, or more.

These By Laws may be amended at any Annual Meeting of the Association with 2/3 majority vote of the active members present with quorums (refer to Article IX, #3).

In the event of the dissolution of the Association, all real estates, assets and remaining moneys shall be donated to IAMA, within the meaning of Section 501 (C) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.